Lace fixation assembly and system

ABSTRACT

A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a reissue divisional application of U.S. Reissueapplication Ser. No. 16/130,943, which is an application for reissue ofU.S. Pat. No. 9,439,477, issued Sep. 13, 2016 from U.S. application Ser.No. 14/166,799, filed Jan. 28, 2014, entitled “LACE FIXATION ASSEMBLYAND SYSTEM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/757,692, filed Jan. 28, 2013, entitled LACE FIXATIONSYSTEM WITH LOW FRICTION GUIDES, the entirety of which is incorporatedby reference for all purposes.

More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S.Pat. No. 9,439,477. The reissue applications are U.S. application Ser.No. 16/130,943, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/826,105, and U.S.application Ser. No. 16/826,150 (the present application). U.S.application Ser. No. 16/826,105 and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/826,150are reissue divisional applications of U.S. application Ser. No.16/130,943.

SUMMARY

Various lace fixation assemblies and systems beneficial to bothmanufacturers and users. In particular, the lace fixation assemblies andsystems of the present disclosure may provide an easy to understand andeasy to use means of adjusting and securing the closure of an article offootwear or other item. The lace fixation assemblies and systems of thepresent disclosure may further allow the use of small-diameter,low-friction lace material that does not require gripping by hand tosecure or tighten. The lace fixation assemblies and systems of thepresent disclosure may further provide a convenient means to storeexcess lace after tightening while allowing quick and easy release andrefastening of the fixation for secondary tension adjustment. The lacefixation assemblies and systems of the present disclosure may further beof a design and material such as plastic or other synthetic materialthat is economical to produce and to incorporate into existingmanufacturing methods.

For example, in a first aspect, a lacing system for tightening anarticle is disclosed. The lacing system may include or comprise afixation member coupled to the article, the fixation member having atleast one entry aperture and an exit aperture with a lumen extendingtherebetween, the fixation member also having a spool with a fixationpost. In this example, the fixation member may be rigidly fastened tothe article. The lumen may include or comprise of a passage, a cavity, atube structure, or the like. Further, the spool may include or compriseof a flanged cylinder whereby an element may be wound around or to thepost. Other embodiments are possible.

The lacing system may further include or comprise a tension memberhaving an intermediate portion slidably disposed within the lumen of thefixation member such that a proximal portion of the tension member ispositioned on a proximal side of the fixation member and a distalportion of the tension member is positioned on a distal side of thefixation member and such that a length of the proximal portion and alength of the distal portion is adjustable via sliding of the tensionmember within the lumen. In this example, the tension member may includeor comprise a lace or lacing that has a particular diameter. The tensionmember may generally be laced to the fixation member, and a length ofthe tension member protruding or exiting from the fixation member may beadjusted as desired. Other embodiments are possible.

The lacing system may further include or comprise a plurality of guidemembers coupled to the article on the proximal side of the fixationmember to guide the proximal portion of the tension member along thearticle to the fixation member. In this example, the tension member maygenerally be laced to each of the plurality of guide members. Otherembodiments are possible. The lacing system may further include orcomprise a tensioning component coupled to the distal portion of thetension member to effect sliding of the tension member within the lumenand thereby tighten the article by adjusting the length of the proximalportion of the tension member, and to maintain a tightness of thearticle by winding of the tension member about the fixation post,wherein the tensioning component is securable to the spool of thefixation member. In this example, the tension member together with otherelements or features of the example lacing system may be used to tightenthe article whereby the tension may be stored to the spool. Otherembodiments are possible.

Additionally, or alternatively, the fixation member of the lacing systemmay include a flange shaped complementary to the panel. Additionally, oralternatively, the lumen of the lacing system may extend between theentry aperture and the exit apertures in an arcuate configuration, sothat the lumen may be guided through the fixation member in a gentlemanner with minimized frictional resistance. Additionally, oralternatively, the plurality of guide members the lacing system may beconfigured to direct lacing along the panel of the article with orwithout overlap to the at least one lacing entry aperture and throughthe lacing exit aperture. Such a feature may be selected as desired andmay be implementation-specific. Additionally, or alternatively, thetensioning component of the lacing system may be a ring-shaped elementthat may be snap-fit coupleable to the spool protrusion. Additionally,or alternatively, the spool protrusion and the tensioning component ofthe lacing system may each comprise a plurality of traction members thatwhen engaged inhibit rotation of the tensioning component when thetensioning component is secured to the spool protrusion. Such a featuremay prevent unwanted or undesired loosening of the tension member whenthe tensioning component is positioned to the spool protrusion. Otherembodiments are possible.

In another aspect, a lacing system for tightening an article isdisclosed. The lacing system may include or comprise first platecoupleable to a first panel of the article and defining at least onelacing entry aperture, a lacing exit aperture, and a keyed protrusionthat is positioned to a complementary recess of a second plate of thelacing system to form a groove with a lacing fixation post. In thisexample, the keyed protrusion and complementary recess may facilitatesecure coupling of the first plate with the second plate. Otherembodiments are possible. The lacing system may further include orcomprise a lacing tensioner coupleable to lacing protruding from thelacing exit aperture and to a periphery of the groove so that the lacingtensioner is securable to the groove when lacing protruding from thelacing exit aperture is wound to the lacing fixation post for tighteningthe article by pulling together a second panel and a third panel of thearticle. Other embodiments are possible.

Additionally, or alternatively, the first plate of the lacing system mayfurther define a first plurality of ridged flutes extending radiallyfrom the keyed protrusion in a spoke pattern, and the second platefurther defining a second plurality of ridged flutes extending radiallyfrom the recess in the spoke pattern and offset the first plurality ofridged flutes. Such a feature may maintain lacing tension when lacingprotruding from the lacing exit aperture is wound to the lacing fixationpost for tightening the article. Additionally, or alternatively, thelacing system may include a plurality of lacing guide members coupleableto the first panel to direct lacing along the first panel to the atleast one lacing entry aperture and through the lacing exit aperture.Additionally, or alternatively, the lacing system may include a fastenerpositioned through an aperture of the keyed protrusion and an apertureof the recess to rigidly secure the keyed protrusion to the recess.Other embodiments are possible.

In another aspect, a method for tightening an article using a lacingsystem is disclosed. The lacing system may include one or more of thefeatures: a fixation member coupled to the article, the fixation memberhaving at least one entry aperture and an exit aperture with a lumenextending therebetween, and also having a spool with a fixation post; atension member having an intermediate portion slidably disposed withinthe lumen of the fixation member so that a proximal portion of thetension member is positioned on a proximal side of the fixation memberand a distal portion of the tension member is positioned on a distalside of the fixation member; a plurality of guide members coupled to thearticle on the proximal side of the fixation member to guide theproximal portion of the tension member along/about the article to thefixation member; and a tensioning component coupled to the distalportion of the tension member. Further, the method may include orcomprise tensioning the tension member via the tensioning component toeffect sliding of the tension member within the lumen and therebytighten the article by shortening the length of the proximal portion ofthe tension member. The method may further include or comprise windingthe tension member about the fixation post via the tensioning componentto maintain a tightness of the article, wherein the tensioning componentis securable to the spool of the fixation member.

Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include or comprisesecuring the tensioning component to the spool of the fixation member.Such a feature may allow for storage of the tensioning component whennot in use. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include orcomprise positioning the tension member to the lumen of the fixationmember to lace the tension member to the fixation member. Additionally,or alternatively, the method may include or comprise positioning thetension member to the plurality of guide members to lace the tensionmember to the plurality of guide members with or without overlap of thetension member. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may includeor comprise positioning the tension member to the tensioning componentto couple the tension member to the tensioning component. Additionally,or alternatively, the method may include or comprise winding the tensionmember within a gap about the fixation post that includes a plurality ofradially offset ridged flutes to engage and maintain tension to thetension member. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may includeor comprise winding excess length of the tension member within a gapabout the fixation post to store the excess length of tension memberabout the fixation post. Other embodiments are possible.

Although not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of thepresent disclosure along with associated benefits and/or advantages maybe gained from the following discussion in connection with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first lace fixation assembly.

FIG. 2 shows a first plate of the assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 show a first view of a first and second plate of the assembly ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 shows a second plate of the assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 show a second view of a first and second plate of the assembly ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 shows a tensioning component of the assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 7A-C show various views of a guide member of a first lace fixationsystem.

FIGS. 8A-C show various views of a first lace fixation system.

FIG. 9 shows a view of another lace fixation system.

FIGS. 10A-D show various views of a second lace fixation assembly.

FIGS. 11A-C show various exploded views of the assembly of FIG. 9 .

FIGS. 12A-C show multiple embodiments of the assembly of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 13 shows a first cross-section A-A of the assembly of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 14 shows a second cross-section B-B of the assembly of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 15 shows a view of still another lace fixation system.

FIGS. 16A-B show various views of still another lace fixation system.

FIG. 17 shows a view of still another lace fixation system.

FIG. 18 shows a view of still another lace fixation system.

FIGS. 19A-E show various views of still another lace fixation system.

FIG. 20 shows a view of still another lace fixation system.

FIG. 21 shows a view of still another lace fixation system.

FIG. 22 shows a view of still another lace fixation system.

FIGS. 23A-C show various views of a third lace fixation assembly.

FIGS. 24A-B show various views of a fourth lace fixation assembly.

FIG. 25 shows various views of a fifth lace fixation assembly.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame numerical reference label. Further, various components of the sametype may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letterthat distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If onlythe first numerical reference label is used in the specification, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components and/orfeatures having the same first numerical reference label irrespective ofthe letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Different methods for closing or tightening shoes or boots and otherflexible or semi-rigid panels have evolved over the years. Conventionallaces whether led through metal eyelets, webbing loops, or low frictionguides, have stood the test of time and remain popular. Mechanicalsystems using rotary dials, serrated grip surfaces and other designs mayprovide alternatives to knot-secured laces. Hook and loop engagements aswell as elastic straps may also serve well in some applications.Currently available designs though present certain drawbacks. Forexample, conventional laces require the tying of a knot to secure thetightened adjustment, which obligates the user to untie the knot beforeany secondary adjustment can be made, unless or until the knot loosensof its own accord, requiring retying. Conventional lace systems are alsolimited to the use of relatively large diameter laces that arecomfortable to grip by hand, the opposite desired characteristics forlow-profile, efficient and effective closure. Rotary dials and othermechanical systems eliminate the knot problem and can make use of smalldiameter laces, but tend to be expensive to manufacture, to the pointthat they can represent up to 50% of the cost of a given pair offootwear. Some knotless fixation systems self-store excess lace whileothers require excess lace to be gathered and placed into a pocket onthe boot, which is an inconvenient and inelegant solution.

Given the harsh environment of daily use, often in climate extremes,mechanical system latching performance may also be problematic, oftenwhen a secure closure is needed most. Hook and loop and elastic systemsalso suffer performance loss in wet and/or freezing conditions, whilebeing limited in the adjustment range and security of their closure. Inaddition to fixation issues, many lace systems suffer from excessivefriction which can prevent the lace from exerting sufficient closureforce in the area farthest from the point where tension is applied. Thisfriction can have many causes including the lace materialcharacteristic, the lace turning guides, the sliding of the lace overhigh friction surfaces, and also the points at which opposing lacescross over one another. In this aspect of lace function, the dilemmabecomes one in which the more tension applied to tighten the closure,the more frictional force is created and the more difficult it becomesto obtain the desired closure. The present disclosure addresses theseand other issues by providing a non-complex, inexpensive,non-mechanical, low-friction, knotless closure system with self-storageof excess lace.

For instance, referring now collectively to FIGS. 1-8 , first lacefixation assembly 100 and first lace fixation system 102 are shown inaccordance with the present disclosure. In general, first assembly 100includes first plate 104, second plate 106, tensioning component 108,and fastener 110. FIG. 1 for example illustrates these respectivecomponents of first assembly 100 in an assembled configuration. Firstsystem 102 includes first assembly 100, guide members 112, and tensionmember 114. FIG. 8A for example shows these respective components offirst system 102 in an assembled configuration. In the exampleembodiment, tension member 114 is laced through first plate 104 of firstassembly 100 via arcuate slots 116 that guide ends of tension member 114from entry apertures 118 to exit aperture 120. FIG. 2 for exampleillustrates entry apertures 118 and exit aperture 120, and FIG. 3 forexample illustrates arcuate slots 116. Tension member 114 is furtherlaced through guide members 112 via opposing grooves 122 so that tensionmember 114 does not overlap onto itself when laced thereto. Both firstassembly 100, at least in part, and guide members 112 are coupled tofront panel 124 of boot 126, and tensioning end 128 of tension member114 is coupled to tensioning component 108 at notch 130 of tensioningcomponent 108. FIGS. 8A-B for example illustrate coupling of firstassembly 100 and guide members 112 to boot 126 as well as tension member114 to tensioning component 108.

In practice, tightening of boot 126 is performed or perfected byapplication of pulling force to tensioning component 108, forcing firstside panel 132 and second side panel 134 of boot 126 together. Whilemaintaining pulling force, tensioning component 108 is used to wraptension member 114 into channel or groove 136 that is formed betweenfirst plate 104 and second plate 106. FIG. 5 for example illustratesgroove 136 formed between first plate 104 and second plate 106. Here,initial wrapping of tension member 114 into groove 136 forces tensionmember 114 into friction gap 138 that has surfaces along the length ofwhich imparts force on tension member 114 when positioned thereto sothat tension is generally maintained on tension member 114 when pullingforce is removed, as discussed further below. Further wrapping oftension member 114 into groove 136 forces portions of tension member 114into storage gap 140. Storage gap 140 within groove 136 is thereforegenerally wider than friction gap 138 as storage gap 140 serves adifferent purpose than friction gap 138 in that it is used to storeexcess length of tension member 114. Tension member 114 as wrapped ontoitself though within both friction gap 138 and storage gap 140 impartsforce on itself when positioned thereto, so that tension is generallymaintained on tension member 114 when pulling force is removed.

Wrapping of tension member 114 into groove 136 proceeds until length oftension member 114 protruding from exit aperture 120 is substantiallywound into groove 136. Tensioning component 108 is then generallysnap-coupled onto first assembly 100 at groove 136. Tensioning component108 may be decoupled from first assembly 100 by application of leveragesimilar to that applied when opening a bottle having a cap, and may beused to unwind tension member 114 thereby loosening first side panel 132and second side panel 134 of boot 126. First side panel 132 and/orsecond side panel 134 may then be opened to allow exit, or tensionreapplied to tension member 114 as desired. Such an implementation maybe beneficial or advantageous in many respects. For example, knotting oftension member 114 is not required, excess length of tension member 114is stored to first assembly 100 without additional steps, and throughthe use of tensioning component 108, there is no need for a user tophysically touch tension member 114. Still other benefits and/oradvantages are possible as well.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-6 , first lace fixation assembly100 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. As mentionedabove, first assembly 100 includes first plate 104, second plate 106,tensioning component 108, and fastener 110. When assembled, axle- orpost-like keyed portion 142 formed on protrusion 144 of first plate 104,as shown for example in FIG. 2 , is positioned to complementary recess146 of second plate 106, as shown for example in FIG. 4 . Additionally,fastener 110 is positioned to both second plate aperture 148 that isadjacent to recess 146 and first plate aperture 150 that is formedwithin keyed portion 142 to secure first plate 104 with second plate106. In the example embodiment, keyed portion 142 and recess 146 arestar-shaped in cross-section. Other embodiments are however possible,and shape of keyed portion 142 and recess 146 may beimplementation-specific. Further, as mentioned above, tensioningcomponent 108 is generally snap-fit coupleable to groove 136 that isformed between first plate 104 and second plate 106. Rotational movementof tensioning component 108 is limited or restricted when positioned togroove 136 by interlock of bumps or ridges 152 formed on both secondplate 106 and tensioning component 108, illustrated for example at FIG.4 and at FIG. 6 .

Friction gap 138 within groove 136 is defined by first ridged flutes 154that extend in a spoke pattern from keyed portion 142 of first plate104, and second ridged flutes 156 that extend in the spoke pattern fromrecess 146 of second plate 106. FIG. 2 for example illustrates firstridged flutes 154, and FIG. 4 for example illustrates second ridgedflutes 156. It is contemplated that more or fewer ridged flutes may beutilized in any pattern as desired, and further number and shape offirst ridged flutes 154 and second ridged flutes 156 may beimplementation-specific. In the example embodiment, when first plate 104is coupled with second plate 106, first ridged flutes 154 and secondridged flutes 156 are rotationally offset from each other so as to forma path for tension member 114 similar to that formed by aninterdigitated comb structure. In this instance, however, fingers of thecomb structure are interdigitally arranged along a circle. In thismanner, first ridged flutes 154 and second ridged flutes 156 areconfigured and arranged to impart force on tension member 114 whentension member 114 is positioned to friction gap 138 within groove 136,so that tension is generally maintained on tension member 114 whenpulling force is removed.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7A-C, a particular one of guidemembers 112 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Asmentioned above, tension member 114 is laced through guide members 112via opposing grooves 122 so that tension member 114 does not overlaponto itself. In general, grooves 122 positioned on each side of mountingaperture 158 provide a curved low-friction pathway for tension member114 as it interfaces with panels 124, 132, and 134 of boot 126, similarto arcuate slots 116 of first plate 104 that provide a low-frictionpathway for tension member 114 from entry apertures 118 to exit aperture120. Whereas a typical lacing pattern may route laces back and forthbetween opposing panels, with laces crossing each other at variouspoints along the center line of a particular panel, guide members 112eliminate lace crossing and resulting friction that which may impedeclosure. It is contemplated that any number of guide members 112 may beemployed to realize desired closure characteristics while maintainingthe lowest possible lace system friction.

In the present example, with guide members 112 attached to centerportion of front panel 124, tension member 114 is guided from first sidepanel 132 through a particular one of guide members 112, and back tofirst side panel 132. Similarly, tension member 114 is guided fromsecond side panel 134 through a particular one of guide members 112, andback to second side panel 134. Tension member 114 thus does not overlaponto itself and does not bind, chafe, or create excess friction. It iscontemplated that body 160 of guide members 112 may be curved togenerally match the shape of front panel 124 or other intermediate panelonto which they are coupled. Further, profile or thickness 162 of guidemembers 112 may be defined such that tension member 114 is raised abovea surface of an intermediate panel to further reduce friction. Variousmethods may be employed to attach guide members 112 to front panel 124,such as in a manner that allows guide members 112 to self-align underloads presented by tension member 114. Further, in order to facilitateinjection molding with minimal tooling complexity, in one embodiment thebearing surface of the guide members 112 may be formed by alternatinggrooves in top and bottom surfaces. This arrangement may sufficientlycapture tension member 114, keeping tension member 114 bearing upon thedesired radius surface, while not requiring any sliding elements in theinjection mold.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , another lace fixation system 902 is shown inaccordance with the present disclosure. System 902 is similar to firstlace fixation system 102 as described above in many respects. Forexample, system 902 includes first lace fixation assembly 100 of atleast FIG. 1 coupled to front panel 904 of boot 906. In the exampleembodiment, however, tension member 908 is laced through guide members910 so as to overlap or cross itself. Guide members 910 in FIG. 9 arewebbing or fabric strips that are sewn or otherwise coupled to panels ofthe article. The webbing or fabric strips 910 include loops throughwhich the tension member 908 is inserted. The webbing or fabric strips910 may be angled or directed to guide the tension member 908 about thearticle as desired. In practice though, tightening of boot 906 usingfirst assembly 100 may be performed in a manner similar to thatdescribed above. Further, FIG. 9 demonstrates flexibility of firstassembly 100 in that tensioning component 108 may be coupled to groove136 (e.g., see FIG. 5 ) that is formed between first plate 104 andsecond plate 106 without orientation-specific keying. In other words,tensioning component 108 may be coupled to groove 136 in any particularorientation. For example, FIG. 8C illustrates tensioning component 108positioned to groove 136 so that notch 130 is orientated towards guidemembers 112. In contrast, FIG. 9 illustrates tensioning component 108positioned to groove 136 so that notch 130 is orientated away from guidemembers 910.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-16B, second lace fixation assembly 1000 andsecond lace fixation system 1002 are shown in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In general, second assembly 1000 includes plate 1004and tensioning component 1006. FIG. 10B for example illustrates theserespective components of second assembly 1000 in an assembledconfiguration. Second system 1002 includes second assembly 1000, guidemembers 1008, and tension member 1010. FIG. 15 for example illustratesthese respective components of second system 1002 in an assembledconfiguration. In the example embodiment, tension member 1010 is lacedthrough plate 1004 of second assembly 1000 via plate apertures 1011 thatguide tension member 1010 through plate 1004, and further is lacedthrough guide members 1008 so that tension member 1010 overlaps ontoitself. FIG. 12C for example illustrates plate apertures 1011, and FIG.15 and FIG. 16A for example illustrate lacing of tension member 1010through guide members 1008 that are coupled to boot 1014, and lacing oftension member 1010 through plate 1004, respectively. Other embodimentsthough are possible. For example, it is contemplated that guide members112 as discussed above may be used in place of guide members 1008.

Both second assembly 1000, at least in part, and guide members 1008 arecoupled to front panel 1012 of boot 1014, and tensioning end 1016 oftension member 1010 is coupled to tensioning component 1006 at componentapertures 1018. FIGS. 11A-B for example illustrate component apertures1018 of tensioning component 1006, and FIG. 16A for example illustratestensioning end 1016 of tension member 1010 coupled to tensioningcomponent 1006. In the example embodiment, component apertures 1018flare open into elongated slots on bottom side 1005 of tensioningcomponent 1006 to gently guide tension member 1010 there-through, andplate 1004 includes primary surface 1007 that may be curved to at leastpartially conform to shape of panel 1012 of boot 1014, similar to firstplate 104 of first assembly 100 shown at least in FIG. 1 .

In practice, tightening of boot 1014 is performed or perfected byapplication of pulling force to tensioning component 1006, forcing firstside panel 1020 and second side panel 1022 of boot 1014 together. Whilemaintaining pulling force, tensioning component 1006 is used to wraptension member 1010 into channel or groove 1024 formed by plate 1004.FIG. 10B for example illustrates groove 1024 formed by plate 1004.Wrapping of tension member 1010 tightly onto itself within groove 1024fixes tension member 1010 in place, so that tension is generallymaintained on tension member 1010 when pulling force is removed.Wrapping of tension member 1010 into groove 1024 proceeds until lengthof tension member 1010 protruding from component apertures 1018 issubstantially wrapped into groove 1024. Tensioning component 1006 isthen snap-coupled onto flange 1026 of plate 1004 so that locking surface1028 of at least one flexible tab 1030 of tensioning component 1006engages with locking surface 1032 of flange 1026 adjacent to groove1024. FIG. 14 in a particular instance illustrates tensioning component1006 snap-coupled onto flange 1026 of plate 1004. In the exampleembodiment, tensioning component 1006 may subsequently be decoupled fromplate 1004 by application of leverage to tensioning component 1006similar to that of opening certain types of aspirin containers forexample, and may be used to unwind tension member 1010, therebyreleasing force imparted on first side panel 1020 and second side panel1022 of boot 1014. First side panels 1020 and/or second side panel 1022may then be opened to allow exit, or tension reapplied to tension member1010 as desired. Such an implementation may be beneficial oradvantageous in many respects, including at least those discusses abovein connection with first assembly 100.

Further, referring now specifically to FIGS. 16A-B, flexibility ofsecond assembly 1000 is demonstrated in that tension member 1010 may belaced through plate 1004 of second assembly 1000 in a particulardirection as desired. For example, FIG. 16A illustrates tension member1010 laced through plate 1004 of second assembly 1000 in a directionextending away from front end of shoe 1014, so that tightening of shoe1014 is perfected by application of pulling force generally in directionA. In contrast, FIG. 16B illustrates tension member 1010 laced throughplate 1004 of second assembly 1000 in a direction extending towardsfront end of boot 1014, so that tightening of boot is perfected byapplication of pulling force generally in direction B.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 11-14 , second lace fixationassembly 1000 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. FIGS.12A-C in particular show second assembly 1000 in varying dimension,generally increasing in size from FIG. 12A proceeding in order to FIG.12C. As mentioned above, second assembly 1000 includes plate 1004 andtensioning component 1006. When assembled, keyed aperture 1034 formedwithin flange 1026 of plate 1004 is positioned to complementary post1036 of tensioning component 1006. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B for exampleillustrate keyed aperture 1034 formed within flange 1026 of plate 1004,and post 1036 of tensioning component 1006. In the example embodiment,keyed aperture 1034 and post 1036 are peripherally notched. Otherembodiments are however possible. Tensioning component 1006 is snap-fitcoupleable to keyed aperture 1034 formed within flange 1026 of plate1004 by at least one flexible tab 1030 of tensioning component 1006 thathas locking surface 1028 that engages with locking surface 1032 offlange 1026 adjacent groove 1024. FIG. 14 for example illustratesflexible tab 1030 of tensioning component 1006 that has locking surface1028 that engages with locking surface 1032 of flange 1026 adjacent togroove 1024. In the example embodiment, rotational movement oftensioning component 1006 when coupled to plate 1004 is limited orrestricted because post 1036 is rigidly fixed to plate 1004 at mountingsurface 1038.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , still another lace fixation system 1702 isshown in accordance with the present disclosure. System 1702 is similarto second lace fixation system 1002 as described above in many aspects.For example, system 1702 includes second lace fixation assembly 1000 ofat least FIG. 10 coupled to panel 1704 of item 1706. In this example,however, second assembly 1000 is not coupled to a central panel of item1706, and further tension member 1708 is alternately laced through guidemembers 1710 terminating at end 1712. In practice though, tightening ofitem 1706 using second assembly 1000 may be performed in a mannersimilar to that described above. Further, FIG. 17 demonstratesflexibility of second assembly 1000 in that second assembly 1000 maygenerally be coupled to a particular item at any location as desired,such as to an eyestay of a shoe as illustrated in FIG. 17 . Terminationat end 1712 as shown in FIG. 17 may increase the tension imparted totension member 1708 as the system is used to close item 1706. Stillother lace fixation systems embodiments are possible.

For example, referring now to FIG. 18 , still another lace fixationsystem 1802 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. System1802 is similar to second lace fixation system 1002 as described abovein many aspects. For example, system 1802 includes first instance 1000aof second lace fixation assembly 1000 of at least FIG. 10 coupled tofirst panel 1804 of item 1806. In this example, however, system 1802further includes second instance 1000b of second lace fixation assembly1000 coupled to second panel 1808 of item 1804, and tension member 1810is coupled to fixed guide 1812 positioned to central panel 1814 of item1806. In some embodiments, first instance 1000a of second assembly 1000and second instance 1000b of second assembly 1000 may be sizeddifferently, for example as illustrated in FIG. 12 . Such animplementation as shown in FIG. 18 may be an example of a zone or zonaltightening system, whereby tension imparted on first length 1816 oftension member 1808 may be controlled by first instance 1000a of secondassembly 1000, and tension imparted on second length 1818 of tensionmember 1808 may be controlled by second instance 1000b of secondassembly 1000. Tension member 1810 may be fixedly coupled with fixedguide 1812 (i.e., the tension member 1810 may be prevented from slidingthrough guide 1812) to allow zonal tensioning of a proximal and distalportion of item 1806. Still other lace fixation system embodiments arepossible.

For example, referring now to FIGS. 19A-E, still another lace fixationsystem 1902 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. System1902 is similar to second lace fixation system 1002 as described abovein many aspects. For example, system 1902 includes embodiment 1000a ofsecond lace fixation assembly 1000 of at least FIG. 10 coupled to panel1904 of item 1906. In this example, however, system 1902 includestension member 1908 coupled to fixed guide 1910 positioned to centralpanel 1912 of item 1906. As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 19A-E,tension member 1908 may be positioned to guide members 1914 and fixedguide 1910 so that tension member 1908 may be wrapped and coupled toembodiment 1000a of second assembly 1000 in a manner such as describedabove. In particular, tension member 1908 may be initially laced toguide member 1914a and guide member 1914b positioned in a lower portionof the item, and then laced through fixed guide 1910 as shown in FIG.19C, such as by inserting tension member 1908 through a lumen of fixedguide 1910. Tensioning component 1006 may then be pulled in direction Xto apply tension to first length 1916 of tension member 1908, therebypulling the lower portion of side panel 1918 and side panel 1920together. Tension member 1908 may then be wrapped around a post of fixedguide 1910 to lock or maintain a tension of first length 1916 of tensionmember 1908 and thereby secure the lower portion in a tightenedarrangement. Tension member 1908 may then be laced to guide member 1914cand guide member 1914d in an upper portion of the item. Tensioningcomponent 1006 may then be pulled in direction Y to apply tension tosecond length 1922 of tension member 1908, thereby pulling the upperportion of side panel 1918 and side panel 1920 together. Tension member1908 may then be wrapped into channel or groove 1024 formed by plate1004 to lock or maintain a tension of second length 1922 of tensionmember 1908 and thereby secure the upper portion in a tightenedarrangement. Such an implementation as shown in FIGS. 19A-E may be anexample of a zone or zonal tightening system, whereby tension impartedon first length 1916 of tension member 1908 may be controlled ormaintained due to coupling of tension member 1908 to fixed guide 1910,and tension imparted on second length 1922 of tension member 1908 may becontrolled or maintained due to coupling of tension member 1908 to plate1004. Still many other lace fixation system embodiments are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 20 , still another lace fixation system 2002 isshown in accordance with the present disclosure. System 2002 is similarto both first lace fixation system 102 and second lace fixation system1002 as described above in many respects. For example, system 2002includes first lace fixation assembly 100 of at least FIG. 1 coupled tofirst panel 2004 of item 2006, and also includes second lace fixationassembly 1000 of at least FIG. 10 coupled to second panel 2008 of item2006. In this example, however, system 2002 includes first tensionmember 2010 coupled to first assembly 100 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above, and also includes second tension member 2012 coupled tosecond assembly 1000 in a manner similar to that described above. Here,second tension member 2012 is shown partially in phantom line as aportion of second tension member 2012 is routed generally underneathouter shell 2014 of item 2006, such as through tubing positioned underthe upper of a boot. Such an implementation may be another example of azone or zonal tightening system, whereby tension imparted on firsttension member 2010 may be controlled by first assembly 100, and tensionimparted on second tension member 2012 may be controlled by secondassembly 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, first tension member 2010and first assembly 100 is used to tighten an upper portion of a bootwhile second tension member 2012 and second lace fixation assembly 1000is used to tighten a lower portion of a boot. Still other lace fixationsystem embodiments are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , still another lace fixation system 2102 isshown in accordance with the present disclosure. System 2102 is similarto second lace fixation system 1002 as described above in many respects.For example, system 2102 includes second lace fixation assembly 1000 ofat least FIG. 10 coupled to panel 2104 of item 2006. In this example,however, second assembly 1000 is not coupled to a central or offsetpanel of item 2106, and instead is coupled to rear portion 2108 of item2106, such as heel portion of a shoe. Further, tension member 2110 islaced to second assembly 1000 at a point furthest possible from guidemembers 2112 of item 2106, such as by being routed through tubingcoupled with and/or positioned under an upper material layer of theshoe. In practice though, tightening of item 2106 using second assembly1000 may be performed in a manner similar to that described above.Further, FIG. 21 demonstrates flexibility of second assembly 1000 inthat second assembly 1000 may generally be coupled to a particular itemat any location as desired. Still other lace fixation system embodimentsare possible.

Referring now to FIG. 22 , still another lace fixation system 2202 isshown in accordance with the present disclosure. System 2202 is similarto lace fixation system 2002 of FIG. 20 as described above in manyrespects. In this example, however, system 2202 exhibits an alternateembodiment of first lace fixation assembly 100. In particular, lacefixation assembly 2204 coupled to first panel 2206 of item 2208 includesreel assembly mechanism 2210 having a knob or dial component 2212 thatis rotatable in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to wind the tensionmember 2216 about a channel or groove of a spool (not shown) positionedunder the knob 2212 and within a housing 2214 of the reel assemblymechanism 2210. The tension member 2216 is laced and/or positionedaround one or more guides of an upper portion of item 2208 (i.e., boot).The reel assembly mechanism 2210 is used to tighten the upper portion ofitem 2208 by tensioning the tension member 2216 via reel assemblymechanism 2210. In some embodiments, the reel assembly mechanism 2210may be rotated in a second direction (i.e., counter-clockwise) to loosenthe tension in tension member 2216 and thereby loosen the upper portionof item 2208. In other embodiments, the knob 2212 may be grasped andmoved axially upward to disengage internal components of reel assemblymechanism 2210 and thereby release the tension on tension member 2216.Second assembly 1000 may be used to tension a lower portion of item 2208as described in the embodiment of FIG. 20 . Still other lace fixationassembly embodiments are possible.

For example, referring now to FIGS. 23A-C, third lace fixation assembly2300 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. In the exampleembodiment, tension member 2302 is laced through plate 2304 of thirdassembly 2300 via lumen or passage 2306 that guides tension member 2302through plate 2304, and tensioning end 2308 of tension member 2302 iscoupled to tensioning component 2310 at component apertures 2312. Asshown in particular by the sequence of FIG. 23C, tensioning component2310 may initially be pulled in direction C so that tension member 2302in turn is pulled through passage 2306. Tensioning component 2310 maythen be flipped or positioned back over plate 2304 whereby portions oftension member 2302 are engaged with ridged friction surfaces 2314within channel 2316 of plate 2304. The ridged friction surfaces 2314engage with tension member 2302 to lock or otherwise maintain thetension member 2302 in a tensioned stated.

FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B too for example illustrates portions of tensionmember 2302 engaged with ridged friction surfaces 2314 within channel2316 of plate 2304. Tensioning component 2310 may then be pulled indirection D that is generally opposite direction C so that slack oftension member 2302 is taken up and portions of tension member 2302 arefully engaged with ridged friction surfaces 2314 within channel 2316 tolock or otherwise maintain the tension member 2302 in the tensionedstated. Tensioning component 2310 may then be used to wrap tensionmember 2302 within second channel 2318 of plate 2304 in rotationaldirection E and then snap-coupled to flange 2138 of plate 2304 in amanner similar to that described above in connection with tensioningcomponent 1006. Second channel 2318 may be separated from channel 2316via a flange or other partition member. In the example embodiment, plate2304 and tensioning component 2310 of at least FIG. 23 are configured ina manner substantially similar to plate 1004 tensioning component 1006of at least FIG. 10A-D, with at least the exception of ridged frictionsurfaces 2314. Still other lace fixation assembly embodiments arepossible.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A-B, fourth lace fixation assembly 2400 isshown in accordance with the present disclosure. In the exampleembodiment, fourth assembly 2400 is substantially similar to second lacefixation assembly 1002 as described above. Fourth assembly 2400 thoughis configured to exhibit coiler functionality. As shown in particular bythe sequence of FIG. 24B, tensioning component 1006 may initially bepulled in direction F so that tension member 1010 in turn is pulledthrough plate 1004. Post 2402 of plate 1004 may then be rotated indirection G to pull and wind tension member 1010 to groove 1024 formedby plate 1004 (e.g., see FIG. 10 ). Tensioning component 1006 may thenbe snap-coupled onto flange 1026 of plate 1004 in manner as describedabove. In the example embodiment, post 2402 of plate 1004 may beconfigured and arranged as a rotary dial having a clock spring orspiral-wound torsion spring so that tension member 1010 may beautomatically wound to groove 1024 formed by plate 1004 without a userhaving to use tensioning component 1006 to wrap tension member 1010 togroove 1024 as describe above. In this manner, the user may simply pulltensioning component 1006 in direction F and then release tensioningcomponent 1006 or gently guide tensioning component 1006 as post 2402automatically rotates in direction G to wind tension member 1010 aboutgroove 1024. In other embodiments, the user may rotate post 2402 indirection G to wind the tension member 1010 about groove 1024. In someembodiments, post 2402 may further be configured and arranged to exhibitpush-to-lock/pull-to-unlock functionality whereby when tension member1010 is fully wrapped to groove 1024 tensioning component 1006 may bepressed to lock second assembly 1002. A reverse operation may beperformed to unlock second assembly 1002 so that tension member 1010 maybe unwound from groove 1024. Still other lace fixation assemblyembodiments are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 25 , fifth lace fixation assembly 2500 is shown inaccordance with the present disclosure. In the example embodiment, fifthlace fixation assembly 2500 is substantially similar to second lacefixation assembly 1002 as described above. Fifth assembly 2500 though isconfigured to exhibit incremental tightening/loosening functionality.For example, as shown in particular by the sequence of FIG. 25 ,tensioning component 1006 may initially be pulled in direction H so thattension member 1010 in turn is pulled through plate 1004. Tensioningcomponent 1006 may then be used to wrap tension member 1010 to groove1024 and then snap-coupled onto flange 1026 of plate 1004 in manner asdescribed above. Subsequently, a fine tuning operation may be performedto increase or release tension on tension member 1010. In particular,tensioning component 1006 may be incrementally rotated in a clockwisedirection in a fixed ratcheting motion to increase tension on tensionmember 1010, or incrementally rotated in a counterclockwise direction inthe fixed ratcheting motion to release tension on tension member 1010.In the example embodiment, post 2402 of plate 1004 (e.g., see FIG. 24 )may be configured and arranged as a ratcheted rotary dial so thattension on tension member 1010 may be increased or decreased as desired,without having to decouple tensioning component 1006 from plate 1004.

Although the various disclosed lace fixation assemblies and systems aredescribed in the context of a closure system for footwear or otherpanels desired to be closed toward one another, it will be appreciatedthat the designs may be optimized for a variety of other uses in which alace or cord is desired to be removably secured at various tensionlevels or adjustment lengths. Examples include: a) fixation of hightensile rigging aboard ships, allowing for easy adjustment of a givenline with secure fixation, b) orthopedic bracing products, c) garmentclosures, d) equestrian accessories, e) wakeboard boots, f) kitesurfingline adjustments, g) backpack and luggage closures.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elementshave not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention. Accordingly, the above description should not betaken as limiting the scope of the invention.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a process” includes aplurality of such processes and reference to “the device” includesreference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to thoseskilled in the art, and so forth. Also, the words “comprise,”“comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in thisspecification and in the following claims are intended to specify thepresence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lacing system for tightening an article,comprising: a fixation member coupled to the article, the fixationmember having at least one entry aperture and an exit aperture with alumen extending therebetween, the fixation member also having a spoolwith a fixation post; a tension member having an intermediate portionslidably disposed within the lumen of the fixation member such that aproximal portion of the tension member is positioned on a proximal sideof the fixation member and a distal portion of the tension member ispositioned on a distal side of the fixation member and such that alength of the proximal portion and a length of the distal portion isadjustable via sliding of the tension member within the lumen; aplurality of guide members coupled to the article on the proximal sideof the fixation member to guide the proximal portion of the tensionmember along the article to the fixation member; a tensioning portion ofthe tension member to effect sliding of the tension member within thelumen and thereby tighten the article by adjusting the length of theproximal portion of the tension member, and to maintain a tightness ofthe article by winding of the tension member about the fixation post,wherein the tensioning portion is securable to the spool of the fixationmember, wherein the plurality of guide members direct the tension memberalong a panel of the article to the at least one entry aperture, andwherein the tension members overlaps itself along the panel; and whereinthe tensioning portion is a tensioning component that is snap-fitcoupleable about the spool.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thefixation member further includes a flange shaped complementary to thearticle.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the lumen extending betweenthe entry aperture and the exit apertures includes an arcuateconfiguration.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the tensioning portionis ring-shaped.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the spool and thetensioning component each comprise a plurality of traction members thatwhen engaged inhibit rotation of the tensioning component when thetensioning component is secured about the spool.
 6. A lacing system fortightening an article, comprising: a fixation member coupled to thearticle, the fixation member having an entry aperture, an exit aperture,and a fixation post that is accessible from an exterior of the fixationmember; a tension member having a proximal portion positioned on aproximal side of the fixation member, a distal portion positioned on adistal side of the fixation member, and an intermediate portion slidablydisposed within the fixation member, wherein a length of the proximalportion and a length of the distal portion is adjustable via sliding ofthe tension member within the fixation member; a plurality of guidemembers coupled to the article on the proximal side of the fixationmember to guide the proximal portion of the tension member along thearticle; a tensioning portion of the tension member that effects slidingof the tension member within the fixation member and thereby tightensthe article by adjusting the length of the proximal portion of thetension member, and that maintains a tightness of the article by windingof the tension member about the fixation post from the exterior of thefixation member; and wherein the tensioning portion comprises acomponent that is snap-fit coupleable about the fixation member.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the tensioning portion is securable to thefixation member.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the tensioningportion is a component that is coupled to the distal portion of thetension member.
 9. A lacing system for tightening an article,comprising: a fixation member coupled to the article, the fixationmember having at least one entry aperture and an exit aperture with alumen extending therebetween, the fixation member also having a spoolwith a fixation post, the fixation post being accessible from anexterior of the fixation member; a tension member having an intermediateportion slidably disposed within the lumen of the fixation member suchthat a proximal portion of the tension member is positioned on aproximal side of the fixation member and a distal portion of the tensionmember is positioned on a distal side of the fixation member and suchthat a length of the proximal portion and a length of the distal portionis adjustable via sliding of the tension member within the lumen; aplurality of guide members coupled to the article on the proximal sideof the fixation member to guide the proximal portion of the tensionmember along the article to the fixation member; a tensioning portion ofthe tension member to effect sliding of the tension member within thelumen and thereby tighten the article by adjusting the length of theproximal portion of the tension member, and to maintain a tightness ofthe article by winding of the tension member about the fixation postfrom the exterior of the fixation member, wherein the tensioning portionis securable to the spool of the fixation member; and wherein thetensioning portion is a tensioning component that is snap-fit coupleableabout the spool.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fixation memberfurther includes a flange shaped complementary to the article.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the lumen extending between the entryaperture and the exit apertures includes an arcuate configuration. 12.The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of guide members direct thetension member along a panel of the article without overlap to the atleast one entry aperture.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein theplurality of guide members direct the tension member along a panel ofthe article to the at least one entry aperture, and wherein the tensionmembers overlaps itself along the panel.
 14. The system of claim 9,wherein the tensioning portion is ring-shaped.
 15. The system of claim9, wherein the spool and the tensioning component each comprise aplurality of traction members that when engaged inhibit rotation of thetensioning component when the tensioning component is secured about thespool.
 16. A lacing system for tightening an article, the lacing systemcomprising: a housing that is coupleable with the article, the housingincluding a lumen; a tensioning component that is removably attachableto the housing, the tensioning component including at least oneaperture; a tension member that is coupled with the tensioning componentand that is windable about a spool to tighten the article and that isunwindable from about the spool to loosen the article, the tensionmember being slidably positioned through the lumen of the housing; and aplurality of guide members that direct the tension member along a lacepath of the article to the at least one aperture, the tension memberoverlapping itself along the lace path, the plurality of guide membersbeing coupled to the article on a proximal side of the housing and beingconfigured to guide a proximal portion of the tension member along thearticle to the housing; wherein: the lacing system is configured so thatthe tensioning component is attachable to the housing and so that thetensioning component is user rotatable relative to the housingsubsequent to said attachment to effect winding of the tension memberabout the spool and thereby tighten the article; the tensioningcomponent is detachable from the housing to effect unwinding of thetension member from about the spool and thereby loosen the article; thetensioning component is configured to pull the tension member distallyof the housing and wind the tension member about the spool; and thelacing system is configured so that pulling the tension member distallyof the housing causes the tension member to slide through the lumen ofthe housing thereby tightening the article by adjusting a length of theproximal portion of the tension member.
 17. The lacing system of claim16, wherein the tensioning component is configured for incrementalrotation in a tightening direction to effect winding of the tensionmember about the spool.
 18. The lacing system of claim 17, wherein therotation of the tensioning component in the tightening direction is aratcheting motion.
 19. The lacing system of claim 17, wherein thetensioning component is further configured for incremental rotation in aloosening direction to effect unwinding of the tension member from aboutthe spool.
 20. The lacing system of claim 16, wherein the spool is arotatable spool.
 21. The lacing system of claim 20, wherein therotatable spool is a ratcheted rotary dial.
 22. The lacing system ofclaim 16, wherein the lacing system is configured so that rotation ofthe tensioning component effects winding of the tension member about thespool without having to decouple the tensioning component from thehousing.
 23. The lacing system of claim 16, wherein the tensioningcomponent is snap coupleable to the housing.
 24. A method of attaching alacing system to an article, the method comprising: providing a lacingsystem comprising: a housing that includes a lumen; a tensioningcomponent that is removably attachable to the housing, the tensioningcomponent including at least one aperture; a tension member that isslidably positioned through the lumen of the housing and that is coupledwith the tensioning component, the tension member being windable about aspool to tighten the article and being unwindable from about the spoolto loosen the article; and a plurality of guide members that direct thetension member along a lace path of the article to the at least oneaperture, the tension member overlapping itself along the lace path, theplurality of guide members being coupled to the article on a proximalside of the housing and being configured to guide a proximal portion ofthe tension member along the article to the housing; and attaching thehousing of the lacing system to the article; wherein, subsequent toattachment with the housing, the tensioning component is user rotatablerelative to the housing to effect winding of the tension member aboutthe spool; wherein the tensioning component is detachable from thehousing to effect unwinding of the tension member from about the spooland thereby loosen the article; wherein the tensioning component isconfigured to pull the tension member distally of the housing and windthe tension member about the spool; and wherein the lacing system isconfigured so that pulling the tension member distally of the housingcauses the tension member to slide through the lumen of the housingthereby tightening the article by adjusting a length of the proximalportion of the tension member.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein thetensioning component is configured for incremental rotation in atightening direction to effect winding of the tension member about thespool.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the rotation of thetensioning component in the tightening direction is a ratcheting motion.27. The method of claim 25, wherein the tensioning component is furtherconfigured for incremental rotation in a loosening direction to effectunwinding of the tension member from about the spool.
 28. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the spool is a rotatable spool.
 29. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the rotatable spool is a ratcheted rotary dial. 30.The method of claim 24, wherein the lacing system is configured so thatrotation of the tensioning component effects winding of the tensionmember about the spool without having to decouple the tensioningcomponent from the housing.
 31. The method of claim 24, wherein thetensioning component is snap coupleable to the housing.